Originally Posted by
sig598
Here's a wacky idea:
How about an unpaid deadhead to start your trip which arrives just prior to check-in? And "just prior to checkin" means you dont have to take the 5am departure to get to Atlanta for a 4pm check-in. This deadhead would be included in duty time. Even a guaranteed cockpit or flight attendant jumpseat would be ok. This really wouldnt cost much more than the seat youre taking up. And either way, youre going to be taking up a seat for your commute.
I do not intend to rain on anyone's parade, but I would like to make a comment. The ability to live anywhere you choose and commute to work is a
privilege afforded by the nature of the industry and not a
right that your employer is obligated to provide for you.
What many people have forgotten is that you go to where the jobs are and work your lifestyle into the demands of it. Yes, NYC and L.A. are expensive places to live, but if that is where the job is you make it work. If you can successfully commute into your job then that is a good thing. If not, you better have an alternate means, and demanding your employer adjust their schedule to meet your needs is unrealistic in most career fields - especially when supply and demand is
not in your favor.
How about an unpaid deadhead to start your trip which arrives just prior to check-in?...This deadhead would be included in duty time.
This just lowers your bar even more. I don't know about anyone else's contract, but if my work schedule includes a deadhead per the construction of the pairing, then I am compensated at 100% my hourly rate to be there.
What you need to concentrate on is
not volunteering yourself for free dh's, but rather negotiate a better contract which includes better trip construction and QOL issues.